Angry residents of the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state on Monday protested the incessant killings and abductions allegedly carried out by suspected gunmen in the area.
The protesters blocked the major Akure-Owo-Benin highway to draw government attention to what they described as persistent insecurity and inadequate response from security agencies.
Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, the residents said they had been traumatised and forced to live in fear, chaos, and uncertainty due to repeated violent attacks in the community.
One of the protesters, who identified himself simply as Mr Lawrence, said the protest was triggered by the recent abduction of a community member and attacks on three other residents.
According to him, the latest incident occurred at Liberty Community, a peaceful settlement along the Akure Expressway in Ilu-Abo, and was part of a long pattern of insecurity that has plagued the area for nearly three years.
Mr Lawrence explained that the attack occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., a period w
Angry residents of Aponmu community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene in an alleged land-grabbing incident involving some “powerful individuals” in the State.
The residents, who are mostly farmers, stormed the Governor’s Office in Akure on Monday, lamenting that their farmlands, spanning over 1,000 hectares, had been taken over by land grabbers allegedly aided by some government officials.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Mr Governor, Please Save Our Souls,” “We Can’t Pay Our Children’s School Fees,” and “Powerful People Have Taken Over Our Cocoa Farms,” the protesters accused the invaders of destroying their cocoa plantations and displacing local farmers.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, a community leader, Pastor Tope Akinkuade, warned that there could be a breakdown of law and order if the government fails to act swiftly.
“Aponmu is a multi-ethnic community that has, for over a century, accommodated people from across Nigeria, most of whom are cocoa farmers.
“Our cocoa farms – our only source of livelihood – are being destroyed by these land grabbers who invade with armed men, clear farmlands with bulldozers, and sell them off with impunity,” Akinkuade.
He alleged that several farmers had been harassed, arrested and detained after resisting the invaders, citing the killing of a community leader, Emmanuel Ogboriefon, and the destruction of plantations belonging to another farmer, Charles Akinrolayo, who was detained after protesting the invasion.
Akinkuade described cocoa farming as “the lifeblood of Ondo State’s economy,” lamenting the ongoing destruction of their farmlands had thrown families into hardship and caused significant revenue losses for the state.
He revealed that the community had written to Governor Aiyedatiwa on October 17, 2025 to report the activities of the land grabbers, but the situation had worsened despite the appeal.
According to him, although the State Government once intervened to stop the attacks, the invasion resumed in mid-October when surveyors and bulldozers, escorted by armed policemen, returned to clear more farmlands.
“On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the bulldozers came again, guarded by policemen. When villagers confronted them, the policemen briefly withdrew, only to return later, claiming they were acting under some authority,” he said.
Akinkuade appealed to Aiyedatiwa to act swiftly to prevent chaos, saying the people’s patience was running out.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, urged the protesters to remain calm, assuring them that the government would look into their grievances.
Taiwo advised the community to channel their complaints through the appropriate authorities, promising that Governor Aiyedatiwa would ensure a peaceful and fair resolution.
He commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and investments across the state.
Last December, the Ondo House of Assembly achieved a significant legislative milestone with the passage of the Bill to Prohibit Forceful Entry and Illegal Occupation of Landed Properties in Ondo State.
The landmark legislation, championed by Hon. Moyinolorun Taiwo Ogunwumiju, Parliamentary Secretary of the House and Member representing Ondo West Constituency I, marked a step toward eradicating land grabbing and illegal property transactions in the state.
The session, presided over by Speaker Oladiji Olamide (Landmark), reflected the Assembly’s proactive response to the rising cases of land disputes and unlawful property dealings.
There was tension in Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State when some youths allegedly assaulted the Onidogun of Idogun, Oba Moses Bakare, his wife, and son, Prince Victor Bakare.
The Nation learnt that the incident occurred at Ishara quarters of the town during the annual New Yam Festival when Prince Victor, who was visiting his parents, was allegedly attacked by the youths.
Speaking with reporters at the palace, Prince Victor, who bore visible marks of assault, alleged that the attackers humiliated his family.
According to him, the youths not only beat him up but also stripped his mother half-naked and molested the monarch.
“The youths poured urine and other dirty substances on me for reasons best known to them,” he alleged.
Reacting, Oba Bakare condemned what he described as recurring hostility from some youths in the town, describing the latest incident as unfortunate.
The monarch commended the timely intervention of police officers, which he said prevented the fracas from escalating into a larger crisis.
Also confirming the unrest, the Amotekun Corps Coordinator in the community, Mr. Omatayo Johnson, said that the security operatives quickly stepped in to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
A spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, Olusola Ayanlade, confirmed the incident, adding that the matter was under investigation.
“The case is under investigation, and we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served,” Ayanlade said.
… residents seek Aiyedatiwa’s urgent intervention, beg FEMA for assistance
… we’ve advised residents to relocate, LG chair
Residents of Oka Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene and save the community from being completely washed away following a massive landslide triggered by torrential rainfall.
The landslide, which occurred over the weekend in the Iwaro-Oka area, wreaked havoc on farmlands and destroyed food crops, sparking panic among the largely agrarian population and motorists using the route.
In response, the local government chairman, Hon. Ayo Ajana, has urged residents in affected zones to evacuate and seek temporary shelter elsewhere for their safety.
A trending video of the incident shows distressed residents and community leaders calling on the Ondo State Government, the State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently step in with relief and remedial measures.
Describing the incident as unprecedented, a local farmer, Olaiye Akinsola, said the community now lives in fear of another disaster, noting that such devastation had never occurred in the area’s history.
“The landslide is surprising because we have never experienced something like this in history, and it is creating fear among residents. Within a few days that the rain began, the large area used for farming caved in.
“And since it happened, we have been having sleepless nights because we don’t know its effect on houses and facilities that are near. Motorists who are plying the road drive with fear now, and our farmers can’t go to farm again. We are begging our Governor (Lucky Aiyedatiwa) to come to our aid,” Mr Akinsola said.
Another resident, Folayemi Aderibigbe, also lamented, saying the community might be cut off if the government and authorities did not come to their rescue.
“We are calling the attention of the emergence agencies to the place. The people are scared, I must confess. The axis where the incident happened is the road that leads to Iwaro Oka if you are going to Oke Oka in Akoko.
“We are begging for urgent attention because we don’t want our roads cut off by landslides. The road also leads to Abuja. So, it’s not about the community alone but others who ply here to other states and cities,” she said.
A community leader who simply identified himself as Chief Adeleye told our reporter that a team from the local government has already visited the scene to assess the situation.
He added, “The fear is that if the rain set in again, it may take a large chunk of the community away. So, we need help, and we have told the local government chairman and his officials who visited.”
When contacted on Sunday, Chairman of Akoko South Local Government, Ayo Ajana, explained that efforts were being put in place to ameliorate the concerns of residents of the community.
Ajana said residents living close to the area of the landslide have already been advised to relocate pending when the situation would be addressed by the authorities.
“We have called the attention of the state government to the incident, and we shall be writing the emergency agencies including FERMA it inform them officially about the situation in the axis.
“And with all the coordinated efforts, it is expected that a quick action would be taken to salvage the situation, particularly the road. Also, we have advised residents living in the area to temporarily relocate from that location for their own safety until we are able to get permanent relief.
“A team from the mnistry of works and infrastructure came to the local government to access the situation and suspected that a portion of the road could have been compromised. It seems a bridge that passes through the location due to the heavy and incessant rain fall, caused the underground erosion and rising into the landslide,” he said.
A devastating flood has affected some major roads and streets in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, following torrential rainfall on Friday.
The flood, it was gathered, wreaked havoc as the rainfall continued on Friday, disrupting economic activities as people were unable to commute to various destinations in the town.
Major roads in the ancient town, such as Erinje area, Ogungbo junction, and Ode Etikan, which had no drainage, were reportedly affected by the flood.
The situation was also not different from some parts of the Ereke, Ayetitun, and Temidire areas, which were partly submerged, creating traffic gridlocks across the town’s commercial nerve centre.
The flood also hit the major road leading to the residence of the chairman of the local government, Andrew Ogunsakin.
A legal practitioner and resident of Okitipupa, Wale Omolegbon Odusola, shared a short video of the flooded roads
Some residents, who spoke to our reporter, however, attributed the flooding to the blockage of waterways and the refusal to construct a proper drainage system on the roads.
One of the residents, Adeleye Ibukun, explained that his residence had been submerged by the flood, lamenting that the situation had hindered him from assessing his compound.
According to Ibukun, the flood was due to improper channeling of flood water that led to blockage and building on drainage rights of ways in the town.
“It’s devastating as I speak with you. The whole place is flooded. We can’t even access the roads. Everywhere is full of water, and people cannot pass through to their houses.
“The problem is a result of improper channeling of the water drainage system on the major streets. Most of the houses were constructed without drainage. It’s sad right now,” he said.
Another resident, Seyi Awoyemi Ige, who also lamented the absence of a functional drainage system, urged the Ondo State government to rescue the residents of the town before things got out of hand.
“I can’t access my house. Even those who have cars are stranded due to the flood. I have to rely on commercial motorcycles because the road leading to my house is currently cut off from the major road due to the flood.
Contacted, Ogunsakin said: “The secretary of the local government has visited the affected areas and we are already making an intervention,” he told our reporter.”
Residents of Ogunlepa community in the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised the alarm over the influx of illegal miners in their neighbourhood.
This is coming barely two months after five illegal miners reportedly operating in Ilu-Agbo, at River Oluwa, in the Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state were apprehended by a combined team of security agencies.
The residents, who are mostly local farmers in the agrarian community, complained that the unwholesome activities of the illegal miners were causing environmental degradation and damage to their farmland and crops.
According to them, the presence of the illegal miners, who are mostly non-indigenes of the community, was also capable of jeopardising the security situation of the commune and contributing to local conflicts.
In a Save Our Soul message obtained by The Nation on Wednesday, a farmer and spokesperson for the community, Ayodele Akande, lamented that the activities of the illegal miners are looming disasters that threaten lives, properties and means of livelihoods of the locals.
Mr Akande revealed that numerous farmlands have been destroyed due to the exploitations being carried out by the illegal miners, stressing that the allegation by youths in the community exposing some elders’ involvement in the act is also under threat.
“The ongoing illegal mining in Ogunlepa has damaged our farmlands and roads and continues to obstruct our business activities.
“Please help us stop this cruelty. We want to live in peace and enjoy our natural resources without suffering the consequences of exploitation,” he said.
Reacting, the Chairman of Odigbo LGA, Taiwo Adegoroye, frowned at the activities of the illegal miners in the area, saying several warnings issued by the government were ignored by the invaders.
Adegoroye, who visited the Ogunlepa community in the company of top officials of the council area to assess the level of damages and devastating effects of illegal mining on farmlands, declared a total war on illicit exploitation across the council area.
Assuring the locals of immediate government intervention, the council stressed that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would not watch while illegal miners destroy the environment and disrupt the livelihoods of the people, mostly at the grassroots.
He, however, promised to work with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to put a stop to the menace in the council area.
“Henceforth, we will not tolerate illegal mining activities in Odigbo Local Government. We are committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of our residents,” the chairman said.
He emphasised his passion for improving welfare, aligning with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s EASE mantra.
The donation will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the community, providing essential healthcare services and improving overall well-being of people who otherwise had no access to improved healthcare.
The event was a grand celebration, marked by vibrant cultural displays.
Awosika was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Joyce Awosika, who was warmly welcomed by the womenfolk with singing, dancing, and pageantry.
The event was a testament to the community’s appreciation for Dr. Tola Awosika’s generosity and commitment to their welfare.
The commissioning of the free health center have undoubtedly brought joy and improved healthcare to the people of Ondo Kingdom.
Residents at Peace and Joy community in Oba Ile, in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have been rendered homeless after a flood followed by torrential rainfall.
This is coming barely two months after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicted a heavy rainfall and strong winds in Ondo and 30 other states.
Properties and farmland estimated at millions of Naira were also destroyed by the downpour.
A wooden footbridge, serving as the only exit route for the community, was submerged and destroyed.
The severe flooding also extended to Airport Road, near Ejioba High School, causing panic among pupils and parents who fear for the safety of their children.
It was gathered yesterday that the rain ravaging the state for the past three days has caused the Ogijan River in the community to overflow its banks beyond the imagination of the residents.
In a chat with The Nation, one of the affected residents, simply identified as Adebusoye, disclosed that no fewer than 20 families were affected by the flood, attributing it to the overflow of the river.
“At least 20 residents here have been rendered homeless and sacked by the flood caused by the overflow. The river has caused us great distress.
“The water level poses a serious threat to my life and that of my family and I have moved my family out of our house, and we are now staying with a friend,” he said.
Another resident, Ireti Ayomide, said no life was lost to the disaster but urged the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to come to their aid.
“The flood caused damages to the community. Sadly, it is one of the major floods we have experienced in recent times.
“As you can see, many of the houses, shops and cars were spread out. Many of us suffered great losses. The damage would be running into millions of naira.
“We are calling on the emergency management officials both at the state and federal level to come for our assistance because some of us have nowhere to go,” she added.
Ayomide added: “The adjoining areas such as Airport Road, parts of Irowo, and settlements along the water path are beginning to experience unusual water levels and soil erosion, signals that the crisis could quickly escalate if nothing is done.”
However, one of the community leaders, Mr Ayodele Abitogun, also appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state and federal lawmakers representing Akure North in Assembly to render assistance to them with relief materials.
Executive Secretary of Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Orunko Fredrick, said officials were working with local leaders in the prone areas to address the needs of flood victims.
He added that many canals had been cleared as part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the flooding.
There was chaos in Oke Agbe Akoko, located in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, as masquerades and traditional worshippers reportedly invaded a mosque and the residence of the Chief Imam, assaulting members of his family.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, saw the traditionalists allegedly force their way into the mosque in the town centre, where they unleashed violence on the Chief Imam’s wives and children.
Eyewitnesses told The Nation that some residents attempted to intervene but were overwhelmed by the masquerades and their followers, prompting widespread panic as people fled for safety.
A local resident, who witnessed the attack and requested anonymity, said no clear reason had been given for the invasion.
However, he hinted that the Islamic cleric was known for speaking out against idol worship in the community.
“We have been living in palpable fear since the attack happened. Everyone is just too scared,” the resident said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ayanlade Olayinka, said he could not immediately confirm the incident but promised to investigate and provide an update.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) confirmed the incident and condemned the invasion in strong terms, describing it as “barbaric, irrational and evidence of increasing anti-Muslim hostility” in parts of the Southwest.
In a statement issued on Monday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
“To add salt to injury, the king of the town imposed fines on the Muslim victims, after the attack allegedly because the Muslim women ‘screamed and cursed the masquerades while they were being beaten instead of crying and begging’.
”The Imam and his wives were therefore ordered to bring nine goats, seven sheep and 200 pieces of kolanuts as fines not later than Monday 16th June, 2025 (today) or they would all be banished from the city while no one should practice Islam in the area henceforth. Nothing was said about the masquerades who attacked the women,” the statement read.
The Muslim group also described the action of monarch as ‘a miscarriage of justice’, saying his judgement stands in contradistinction to the principles of natural justice.
He added that the country is now in a 21st-century and supposed to be in a democracy for “crying out loud” while also aurging that “it is crude, archaic, parochial and draconian.”
“This fine must not stand. We demand justice for the muslim victims,” it said.
MURIC has called on the Ondo state government to intervene and halt what it described as the “excesses” of the town’s traditional leadership.
“We urge the Ondo State Government to curb the excesses of the king of OkeAgbe Akoko. Nothing must happen to the Imam, his wives and children. That banishment order must be rescinded.
“Besides, a case of assault occasioning harm has been established. We urge the Ondo State Police Command to arrest and prosecute the attackers. They are neither anonymous nor ghosts because their leaders are well known.”
The group, however, commended the local police for enabling Muslims to observe Jumu’ah prayers peacefully the day after the attack but warned against sweeping the matter under the carpet.
”The masquerades of Oke Agbe have just confirmed our fears about the fate of Muslims in the South West. Yorubaland has become another Siberia for Yoruba Muslims. It is persecution galore. The number of cases reported to MURIC on a daily basis is alarming, the statement added.
Five persons have been killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Ajegunle-Powerline community in Akure North Local Government, Ondo State.
The victims were said to be labourers hired from Plateau and Kaduna states.
A farmer, Akin Olowolafe, said the attack took place about 3pm on Tuesday.
He said: “These Fulani herdsmen killed five of our labourers. We have reported them to the state government and security agencies but no positive actions were taken to stop them on our farmlands.
“They entered the farmlands on Tuesday as we were working and they started shooting sporadically in the air and killed five people during the attacks.”
He said activities of herdsmen and armed robbery had made life unbearable for them.
Olowolafe claimed that many farmers had fled their farms for fear of being killed.
A labourer, Fidelis Daniel said: “They (herdsmen) came around 3pm on Tuesday to destroy our farms and we have warned them not to come to our farmlands again but they didn’t listen, and when they came they just started shooting and killed five of our people. We took them to the mortuary.
“I was on the farm when the incident happened. I heard the sound of guns, and ran to the house. God that saved me.
“Three of the victims were from Plateau State and two from Kaduna State.”
Daniel, who also called on the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, the Commander of the State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), Adetunji Adeleye, and others relevant security agencies to take steps to end the attacks, said the situation was worrisome and is affecting the morale of the farmers.
It was men of the Hunters and Vigilantes Association in Akure North Local Government Area that reportedly took the bodies of the slain to the mortuary.
Spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, who confirmed the incident, said: “There was an attack on the community, and police are still investigating. But I cannot confirm the number of people that were killed.”
